Mother Overcomes Post-Natal Depression to Compete in World Strongman Games

A mother, who began lifting weights following a battle with post-natal depression, is preparing to compete against the world’s strongest women. Andrea Seed, a resident of Lancashire, will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, USA, next month to participate in the Official Strongman Games. The 41-year-old, employed in adult social care, expressed her desire to inspire others, stating, “that you can be whatever you want to be.” She remarked, “I’ve no background in sports, and I always skipped PE at school, but now I’m ready to compete with the best in the world.” Ms Seed recounted feeling as though she “lost” herself somewhat after her son’s birth. Subsequently, she learned about a strong man gym in Preston, which she credits with transforming her life. She commented, “They sort of took me in.” She added, “I started lifting weights and I was ok at it, which is not something I’ve ever really experienced before.” She disclosed that she “wasn’t feeling too great mentally” but discovered “a bit more of a purpose” through “succeeding in something and making my body strong.” “For me it was about finding my potential and believing in myself a little bit,” she further stated. In 2021, she secured the title of Britain’s Strongest Natural Woman, and earlier this year, she achieved fourth place in the Europe’s Strongest Woman competition. Ms Seed, a member of Lancashire County Council’s adult social care team, reiterated her aim to inspire individuals “of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances that you can be whatever you want to be.” She is among hundreds of athletes from 35 countries scheduled to participate in the event, which commences on 5 December. She will compete in four demanding events within the over 40s masters category, facing 10 competitors. These challenges include carrying the frame of a car on her back, lifting a metal log, carrying and pushing sandbags on a sledge, and an axle deadlift.